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A tough loss to swallow

CALGARY, AB -- Despite dominating their opponent the Flames lost to the Blue Jackets in a shootout, ending their five game home streak.

The Flames managed to play a dominating game that was not reflected in the final score.

It was Matt Stajan, in his 600th NHL game, who scored in the third period to tie the score at 1-1 and pushed the game into overtime and the resulting shootout.

This puts Stajan at six goals in his last seven games.

"After the first period we carried the play and eliminated their scoring chances, a shootout is a coin flip and they got the better of that," said forward Mark Giordano.

"We had our chances and you really can't fault anyone there, I felt we carried the play and it's tough to lose in the shootout

This sentiment about the game was echoed from head coach Brent Sutter.

"At the end of the night when you out-chance your opponent 28-7 it’s the difference out of the hockey game, it's disappointing we didn't get two points out of it but the second period was the best period we played all year," said Sutter.

"It wasn't because they guy's had a lack of effort or urgency, I was pleased with our last 45 minutes of the game."

The team had numerous chances to score and unfortunately the puck simply didn't make it to the back of the net as Blue Jackets goalie Steve Mason had an impressive 29 saves for the night.

"I hit a post and he made some big saves, it's frustrating" said recently returned forward Blake Comeau.

"I thought besides the first five minutes we had a lot of chances to win the game, we played a great game so it's tough giving up the point but this time of year you move on and get ready for the next game."

The Flames have a tough road trip coming up with three road games (Colorado, Minnesota and Dallas) that will determine their chances of making it into the playoffs.

"We're going to go on the road and we're going to pick away at this thing because we're still right there," said Sutter. "It's not death yet."